A grotesque caricature of an Indian tycoon holding an inflatable hippo, adorned in an oversized golden turban, surrounded by a Colombian jungle.

Hippo Handler

Indian Billionaire Offers Sanctuary to Escobar's Hippos

Published April 30, 2026

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An Indian tycoon proposes to save 80 of Pablo Escobar's hippos destined for culling in Colombia, sparking division.

The Real Story

An Indian billionaire heir has proposed to rescue 80 hippos linked to the late drug lord Pablo Escobar from being culled in Colombia. The hippos, often referred to as 'cocaine hippos,' have become a controversial issue in Colombia regarding their impact on local ecosystems. The Indian tycoon offers to bring the hippos to India, sparking debates about wildlife management and conservation practices. The proposal has divided opinion, with some Colombians supporting the rescue and others fearing further ecological imbalance.

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